AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center Bariatric Center










I first met Dr.at a seminar for WLS information. I found him to be very intelligent and honest about the entire process. I was particularly impressed with the amount of pre-op testing and EDUCATION he requires. I was also impressed with the emphasis on-required- post-op nutritional classes.
I met him again during the initial consultation. At that time, I felt as if he was "rushed" and didn't feel comfortable taking time to ask the questions I knew I should have written down!. My husband was with me and, of course, he hadn't written his questions, either. ** I had been forewarned by another physician that, while this doctor is a great surgeon, he lacks bedside manner.** I'm thinking that my perception may have been jaded due to that warning. I do have great confidence in this doctor- always go with the "gut" feeling, and as he has performed over 300 surgeries with no fatalities, that works for me.
The office staff was fabulous. Very caring and considerate and offering assistance in any way possible. I was not uncomfortable speaking to any of the staff. I
I believe a truly great surgeon has expert technical skills as well as expert people skills.

My first impression of Dr. O was one of complete amazement. I am not used to someone in his standing and "thin" having the compassion he was showing us at the seminar. When I finally met him face to face I saw the same person I saw and listened to a couple of months prior. He was supportive but very no nonsense.
I have not seen any difference in Dr. O over the last year. He is dedicated to his profession and goals. He is, however, a black and white type of person. This meaning, he has set guidelines to a successful way to lose weight. You MUST follow those guidelines to the letter and all should be well. However, if you go off the track and something happens, he is the first to tell you that you had the ability to use this surgery as a strong tool and if you don't want to follow his advice then don't be surprised if there may be complications. His success rate has been terrific because he is the way he is,,an obsessive perfectionist.
You should plan on meeting with Dr. O at set times. This will help him to better monitor your progress and keep his records and stats up to date. He has laid out this plan to better serve you and secure your success. Go to the nutrition classes as much as possible, keep your appointments, take your vitamins, exercise/walk everyday, drink lots of water, go to the support group meetings as they are filled with lots of information, and use the tool wisely. This will give you the results you desire so much faster.
YOu will fully understand all the risks of the procedure before going into surgery. You must complete all testing to insure your safety and his ability to treat you better. If you complain of the tests he is ordering, you should reconsider the procedure. These tests are necessary.
Dr. O can be a stern, and some say difficult surgeon, but my feelings are if he wasn't the way he is, you would have an incompetent doctor who is out for himself and not for you. Incompetence brings danger and unnecessary high risks. He should be considered a roll model in his field. He does know his stuff. Some say his bedside manner was not what they expected. I on the other hand, had a terrific experience while in the hospital, preop and post op. I knew, when I made a mistake, that whe he got upset with me, it was for my own sake that I understood the importance of following the program to the letter. I try not to set myself up for pain, discomfort, or unnecessary pain.
Number one in my book is that the surgeon be competent in all areas of the gastric bypass surgery. That is what is going to save your life, not the bedside manner. It doesn't take skill to have a bedside manner, it is, however, skill to pull someone through major surgery without complications or as little as possible.
Best of luck to all who are considering this surgery as a way to make your life healthier and happier. I would, without a doubt, do this again in less than a heartbeat.
~God Bless!~

I thought Dr O was extremely professional. He encourages you to ask questions, and his bedside manner is excellent. The office staff is great. They handled everything with my insurance. They really stress aftercare there. They even make you pre-pay for a 12 week post-op nutrition course before surgery. They also make sure you are well educated on the risks vs the benefits of the surgery. You have to take a written test before surgery. The test isn't hard if you've been paying attention at all! I would definitely recommend Dr O to anyone. He is great.

I MET DR. ONOPCHENKO FACE TO FACE JAN. 20, 2 DAYS AGO. I STUDIED HIS CREDENTIALS. I WENT TO HIS SEMINAR LAST MONTH. ON JAN 20 I HAD MY CONSULTATION. I WAS A LITTLE NERVOUS, BUT HE WAS CALM AND REASSURING...AND FUNNY AT THE APPROPRIATE TIMES. THE PATIENTS IN THE WAITING ROOM WERE HAPPY WITH THEIR RESULTS. NO ONE HAD ANY NEGATIVE COMMENTS. THE OFFICE STAFF WAS NICE. THE RECEPTIONIST SEEMED KIND OF DISORGANIZED, BUT ALL IN ALL, THIS FIRST EXPERIENCE WAS A POSITIVE ONE. THE SEMINAR WAS THOROUGH, SO I WAS PREPARED FOR THE CONSULTATION. DR. ONOPCHENKO'S PRE-OP REQUIREMENTS ARE CLEAR...I HAVE ALOT OF TESTS AND SPECIALISTS TO SEE...AND 6 NUTRITIONAL CLASSES AND 2 SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS TO ATTEND. I AM CONFIDENT I PICKED THE MAN FOR THE JOB!

Very calm, explained everything thoroughly great bedside manner. Over time, I began to like and respect him even more. The office staff was wonderful, from the receptionist, to Lori his nurse (who had the surgery performed by Dr O and lost 150 lbs.) to his insurance people---all were great. The only thing I don't like is now that he is SO busy, sometimes there is a long wait in his office. The aftercare program is a good one. He did address all the risks of surgery with me very carefully. After being in healthcare for 16 years, I can appreciate what this surgeon does and how good he is at his job. I highly recommend him.

He was very nice, informative, answered every question that I had, even some I didn't think of. He warned me of every possible risk, but also gave me hope for a great outcome. He has a sense of humor, easy to talk to. His staff is nice, but one lady who answers the phone when you call sometimes doesn't seem to know what she's talking about, maybe she's new.. I don't know. But the girl at the front desk and the girl in charge of the authorizations were very nice to deal with. One thing I didn't like though is that he doesn't have a very convenient office schedule.
There honestly wasn't anything that I didn't like about Dr Patel himself, if there was, I wouldn't have used him. He gives you a detailed list of everything you need to do prior to your surgery. There is no guesswork.
My husband was away for work when I had my surgery, so my mother went with me. She even liked him and his sense of humor.
Overall, in a scale of 1-10, I would rate him an 11, but I would rate the office an 8.
Dr Patel was an excellent surgeon and also had great bedside manner. I would highly recommend him to anyone!

I've been happy with Dr. Patel so far. Very down to earth and takes time with you.

I ATTENDED A SEMINAR HE GAVE. HE SAID HE NEVER HAD A COMPLICATION. MY FRIEND UNDERWENT THE BAND. HE OPERATED ON HER WHILE SHE HAD AN INFECTION. SHE WENT HOME, CAME BACK AND DEVELOPED WORSE INFECTION. SHE JUST DIED. I AM ATTENDING HIS NEXT SEMINAR TO ASK WHY HE OPERATED ON HER. I ATTENDED ANOTHER SURGEON'S LECTURE. I FOUND DR. PATEL TAKES THE PATIENTS THIS SURGEON TURNS DOWN BECAUSE THEY ARE HIGH RISK.